Residential Education Staff

The Residential Education staff is comprised of undergraduate resident assistants, professional (non-student) live-in area coordinators, an assistant director and a director.

Resident Assistants

Resident assistants (RAs) are undergraduate students who act as peer advisors, resource people and programmers to students in the residence halls.

Their primary responsibility is getting to know the students they live with and helping them to make the most of their Colby-Sawyer experience. They are knowledgeable about the college and campus resources and can answer questions and help to resolve room and floor issues.

Resident assistants are selected each spring for the following academic year. Students who wish to become RAs must be committed to providing students with the tools they need to experience personal growth and to create a sense of community with fellow students.

Most importantly, they must be able to take an individual interest in each student with whom they work.

For more information about becoming an RA or applying for a position please contact Assistant Director of Residential Education Karin Berthiaume.

Area Coordinators

The area coordinator (AC) is a live-in professional who plays a critical role in the lives of students in the residence halls. The AC is a member of the Student Development team who reports directly to the director of residential education.

In addition to collaborating with staff, faculty and students, the AC works with the RAs to provide a challenging and supportive environment where students can live and learn.

Area Coordinator Michael Brown is responsible for Austin, Burpee, Danforth, Page, Rooke and Shepard halls and the College Houses.

A second area coordinator Haley Besaw is responsible for Abbey, Best, Colby, Lawson, and McKean.

Director of Residential Education

Director Dave Zamansky is responsible for all aspects of residence hall management and for the evolution of a developmental residential program. He supervises the ACs and provides leadership for residential programming, crisis management, housing assignments, facilities management and responsiveness to students.

Assistant Director of Residential Education

Assistant Director Karin Berthiaume assists in the management of the Residential Education program. She also coordinates room changes, RA selection, summer housing and damage billing.